How to Clean Nubuck Boots

Co-authored by Marc Sigal

Last Updated: October 21, 2021 References

Nubuck is a kind of leather that’s sanded and soft. It’s similar to suede, and looks elegant on boots. The only downside is that Nubuck picks up dirt easily, so you have to regularly clean your Nubuck boots. You can remove light scuff marks and stains with a nail file, a cleaning gum, a pencil eraser, or baby wipes. To get at heavier stains, use soapy water, a suede brush, and white vinegar. Prevent future damage with a waterproofing spray.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Removing Light Scuff Marks and Stains

1
Rub a nail file gently against the Nubuck. Rub the nail file in the direction that smooths the Nubuck, instead of the direction that makes all the little fibers stand upright. This will remove dust particles stuck in the Nubuck pores.
- Using this method too often can damage your boots, so only use a nail file for occasional cleanings, not routine ones.
2
Remove scuff marks with a cleaning gum, if you have one. A cleaning gum is basically a huge eraser, made specifically for cleaning shoes. You can use it to erase scuff marks from your boots. Just rub the cleaning gum gently against the scuff mark until it disappears.

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3
Erase scuff marks with a pencil eraser, if you don’t have a cleaning gum. A pencil eraser is an affordable alternative to a cleaning gum, and does almost as good a job. Just rub the eraser gently against the scuff marks, and wipe away the eraser shavings with your hand.
4
Wipe small stains with baby wipes. The baby wipes should dissolve the stains without damaging the Nubuck. But you should only use them to target specific stains. Don’t rub the baby wipes over the whole boot, because that wouldn’t be good for the Nubuck.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Deep-Cleaning Your Boots

1
Stuff your boots with newspaper and wipe them with a dry rag. The newspaper will help the boots keep their shape and prevent you from dripping any water into the insides of the boots. With the rag, try to get off as much of the visible dirt and mud as possible.
- Rub the boots gently so that you don’t end up rubbing the dirt further into the Nubuck.
- You can also use a shoe tree designed for boots instead of newspaper.^{[1]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Marc Sigal
  Shoe Care Specialist
  Expert Interview. 15 January 2020.}
2
Scrub your boots with a soapy toothbrush. Squirt a bit of dish soap into a bowl of water. Dip a clean toothbrush into the bowl and then rub the dirty spot on your boot with the toothbrush. Use this method sparingly because too much water can stain Nubuck.^{[2]
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3
Allow your boots to air-dry overnight before cleaning further. Don’t use heat to dry your boots, because heat can damage Nubuck. Just let them sit in a well-ventilated spot overnight.^{[3]
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- Never put your boots in the dryer since the heat could damage them.^{[4]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Marc Sigal
  Shoe Care Specialist
  Expert Interview. 15 January 2020.}
4
Brush your dry boots with a suede brush. Gently glide the suede brush over your boots in the direction of the fiber. This will protect the nap of your boots, fluff up the suede, and remove dirt.
- An old toothbrush works as an affordable replacement for a suede brush.^{[5]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Marc Sigal
  Shoe Care Specialist
  Expert Interview. 15 January 2020.}
5
Apply a small bit of white vinegar to tough stains. Really tough stains will only dissolve with a stronger solvent. White vinegar is good because it is perfectly clear, and won’t leave any marks as it dissolves the stain. The downside is, it might make your boots smell like vinegar. But after a little while the scent will disappear.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Preventing Future Damage

1
Spray your clean boots with a waterproofing agent. Spray your boots all over with a waterproofing agent to protect them from future stains and scuffs.^{[6]
X
Expert Source

Marc Sigal
Shoe Care Specialist
Expert Interview. 15 January 2020.} Waterproofing is especially important if you live somewhere with a lot of rain.
- Hold the spray can at least 6 inches (15 cm) from the boots while you’re spraying.^{[7]
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- Stuff your boots with crumpled newspaper to avoid spraying inside the boots.
- Ventilate your room by opening windows to prevent inhaling aerosolized particles. ^{[8]
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2
Let the boots dry for 2 hours before applying another coat. The boots may not be completely dry in only 2 hours, but they will be dry enough for a second coat. Let the boots air dry. Don’t try to speed up the drying process by exposing them to excess heat, because that can warp and damage Nubuck.
3
Spray your boots with a second coat of waterproofing agent. Again, hold the spray can at least 6 inches (15 cm) from the boots. Applying 2 coats will make sure your boots can withstand water better.
4
Let the boots dry overnight before wearing or handling them. Your boots will now be able to withstand light rain without getting stained. But they’re still not rain boots, so don’t go puddle-stomping in them.
5
Avoid wearing the same pair of boots every single day. Let your boots air out in between wearings, so that the sweat can evaporate. This will make your boots last longer and smell fresher. If Nubuck boots are your work boots, consider getting a second, identical, pair of boots, so you can switch them out every other day. ^{[9]
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Expert Q&A

Question

How can I dry my boots if they get wet?

Marc Sigal
Shoe Care Specialist
Marc Sigal is the Founder of ButlerBox, a dry cleaning and shoe care service based in Los Angeles, California. ButlerBox places custom-designed, wrinkle-resistant lockers in luxury apartment buildings, class A office buildings, shopping centers, and other convenient locations so you can pick up and drop off items 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Marc has a BA in Global and International Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Marc Sigal

Shoe Care Specialist

Expert Answer

Start by putting a shoe tree in each boot so your boots don't lose their shape. Then, use a suede brush or an old toothbrush to gently brush the surface of your boots back and forth. You can also hold a blow dryer 1 foot away from your boots as you're brushing them to speed up the drying time. Once your shoes are dried, spray them with a water repellent to protect them in the future.
Question

How do you protect nubuck leather?

Marc Sigal
Shoe Care Specialist
Marc Sigal is the Founder of ButlerBox, a dry cleaning and shoe care service based in Los Angeles, California. ButlerBox places custom-designed, wrinkle-resistant lockers in luxury apartment buildings, class A office buildings, shopping centers, and other convenient locations so you can pick up and drop off items 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Marc has a BA in Global and International Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Marc Sigal

Shoe Care Specialist

Expert Answer

Apply a waterproof spray to your nubuck boots. This will protect them from stains and scuffs.